Composite bonding, sometimes called tooth bonding, is a restorative treatment that can improve the appearance of chipped, fractured, discoloured or gapped teeth.
It is a safe, painless procedure that allows us to repair natural teeth by layering a tooth-coloured resin over them. Unlike some cosmetic treatments, we won’t shave or drill the enamel beforehand. As a result, the tooth’s surface, and the neighbouring teeth, remain uncompromised.
In the late-1900s, Irwin Smigel, founder of the American Society For Dental Aesthetics, first used resin to close gaps and recontour teeth. This resin was the same used to fill cracks for white fillings. Since then, cosmetic dentistry has evolved, and we can now use this resin, which we call composite, to enhance the entire tooth just like a veneer. Our dentists can polish and shine the composite, making it suitable for the tooth’s exterior. Besides this, the composite is also more robust and aesthetic than before.
There are two techniques in composite bonding: composite edge bonding and composite veneers. On some websites, composite edge bonding and composite veneers are considered the same procedure, and the names are interchangeable. However, there are small discrepancies between each method. For example, composite edge bonding only layers resin at the borders of the teeth, whereas for composite veneers, the resin is applied to the entire surface. This blog will fully uncover the differences between each approach, so you’ll know which is most suitable for your needs.
At 92 Dental, our composite bonding treatment allows you to tailor your teeth from shape to shade, giving you your ideal smile. Click here to learn more.
Composite Edge Bonding
Composite edge bonding is the simple process of neatening the edges and reshaping the base of your natural teeth.
Will It Work For You?
- Edge bonding is an excellent restorative treatment if you have worn or chipped teeth, as we can easily fill the chips and straighten the edges.
- If you have wide gaps between teeth, edge bonding can extend the edge width to minimise the gap. Edge bonding can also lengthen the teeth at the base for those with short teeth.
- If you’ve sought treatment for tooth grinding (bruxism), edge bonding is a clever fix to neaten up those sharp, jagged edges. We also suggest you wear a night guard at bedtime to protect the composite from trauma. Click here to learn more.
- If you’ve just had an orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, composite edge bonding is also an effective final step in perfecting your straightened smile.
When Composite Edge Bonding May Not Work:
- You suffer from Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) or tooth decay. You’ll need to treat these problems before layering resin on your teeth.
- You wish to whiten your teeth. As we only apply the resin to the edges of the teeth, we will choose one that works with your natural shade. We’re also not able to whiten composite bonding. Therefore, if you’re looking to change the colour of your teeth, a composite veneer is more suitable. Alternatively, you may prefer to have a teeth whitening treatment before composite edge bonding. Click here to find out more about our whitening services.
- You have large chips or fractures on the surface of your teeth.
- We may suggest an orthodontic treatment before edge bonding if you have significant crookedness in your teeth.
- You are a smoker.
The process:
Our cosmetic dentists, Dr Svet Botev, Dr Faye Rose and Dr Hiten Varsani will deep-clean the teeth and roughen the edges for better adhesion. They will then lightly layer a coloured-match resin to the edges of the subject tooth to conceal any imperfections. Afterwards, they will mould the resin and set it under a special UV light, restoring the tooth to its desired look.
Why we love it:
You’re in control of this treatment, as we can tailor the shape and shade of your teeth. You may want to tidy up the natural edges or go bolder with squared-off or rounded teeth.
Aside from the procedure being pain-free and minimally invasive, you can leave our practice in Hammersmith in less than an hour with a brand-new smile.
Composite edge bonding is also removable. This makes it a great alternative to porcelain veneers or crowns, which are permanent restorations. In most cases there is no need to shave down enamel, we will only gently roughen the surface. As a result, your teeth will retain their natural strength and look the same when we remove the resin.
Regular brushing and good oral hygiene ensure composite edge bonding lasts around 3-5 years, but may require polishing every 1 – 2 years.
Composite Veneers
Composite edge bonding and composite veneers are very similar; however, one covers more of the tooth than the other. For this reason, there are some differences between the two treatments.
Composite veneers are the bridge between bonding and porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin veils that cover the entire tooth. Therefore, composite veneers layer resin over the whole tooth’s surface, concealing tooth misalignments, such as crooked teeth and gaps between teeth. Composite veneers can also cover cracks, fractures and discolouration.
The composite veneer process is the same as composite edge bonding, except you will be in the dentist’s chair for a little longer. We can also alter the volume and length of the teeth as you wish; if you find that it’s too much, the resin can easily be polished back and reapplied.
Will It Work For You?
- Composite veneers are an excellent option if you have fractured or heavily chipped teeth.
- It’s fantastic if you suffer from discolouration on the surfaces of your teeth. Composite veneers can also whiten your teeth when chosen in a lighter shade.
- Composite veneers are a great alternative if you wish for a more conservative fix to porcelain veneers.
- If you wish for more volume in your teeth.
- If you have misaligned teeth.
When Composite Edge Bonding May Not Work:
- You suffer from Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) or tooth decay. You’ll need to treat these problems before layering resin on your teeth.
- Composite veneers are not as resistant to staining as porcelain veneers; therefore, a thorough dental routine is vital.
- You are a smoker.
Why we love it:
Composite veneers are a superb alternative to porcelain veneers if you care for a gentle, affordable fix. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are reversible and can be fitted in only one appointment instead of four weeks.
Our dentist will only have to retouch the composite veneers after 3-5 years, but they may require polishing every 1 – 2 years.
Click here to learn more about porcelain veneers at 92 Dental.
Comparison
Both composite edge bonding and composite veneers are quick and gentle aesthetic fixes to cover any imperfections on the surfaces of your teeth. There are very few differences between the two, and the processes are the same, except that one treatment covers more of the tooth than the other.
Composite veneers are more suitable if you wish to cover large cracks or fractures or whiten your teeth. In contrast, edge bonding is a more subtle approach for neatening the edges or extending the teeth to lengthen them or fill gaps.
Composite edge bonding and composite veneers are a great way to perfect your teeth without surgery, and you can tailor the treatment to suit your preferences, from the shade of the resin to the shape of the teeth.
Interested In Composite Bonding Near You? Contact Us For Composite Bonding In Hammersmith.
If you’re interested in composite bonding or porcelain veneers in Hammersmith, West London, call our friendly reception team on 020 3733 7100. You can also contact us online here.
At 92 Dental, we provide free treatment consultations to all our patients with our Treatment Coordinator, Natalie. A consultation is a perfect time to ask any questions about treatment so you feel comfortable and confident to start your journey with us.
